Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
relict
Noun
/ˈrɛlɪkt/
Definition
A thing that has survived from an earlier period or in a primitive form.
Examples
- The relict species of the ancient forest can still be found in remote valleys.
- This butterfly is considered a relict of the Ice Age, having survived in isolated environments.
- The lake is home to relict fauna that dates back thousands of years.
Meaning
The term typically refers to a species or a group of organisms that has persisted over time, often in a specific area or habitat, while related species may have gone extinct.
Synonyms
- survivor
- remnant
- remainder
- holdover
